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SFC Tour to imm cologne Includes Program at Ecosign Academy

Furniture World News Desk on 11/29/2015


SFC reported that it is offering SFC members a not-to-be-missed experience at imm cologne 2016.  Building on success established with the 2015 edition of imm cologne, Koelnmesse is again offering SFC members a package of incentives for SFC members attending as buyers. Also, SFC member companies are invited to participate in the show as exhibitors, with several last-minute spots available.  The show runs January 18-24, and is well-known as a premier design event.

Companies that participated as visitors in the 2015 show were very pleased with their experience.  Ashley Gill of Textile Exchange enthused, " Robert met me and was WONDERFUL! He made sure that I found where I needed to go, introduced me to other parts of the group, and organized activities and dinners for us while I was there. I made a lot of contact with companies using down and wool, and I look forward to seeing where those conversations go." 

Programming on sustainability topics will be expanded at imm cologne 2016, and includes an on-stage presentation on Monday, January 18 by Susan Inglis, SFC executive director, covering the topic "Designing to Sustain a Healthy Future," with discussion to follow.  The SFC contingent will enjoy VIP treatment and a variety of special events, including a special program at Ecosign Academy.

Established in 1994, Ecosign Academy offers an interdisciplinary design program that addresses the environmental, social, cultural and economic challenges of our globalized world. The group will be welcomed by Bernd Draser, Ecosign lecturer in design philosophy, and will also enjoy a talk by Felix Stark, Ecosign lecturer in product design.  The group will also be treated to a tour of the Academy's permanent collection, and to refreshments.

Registration for the SFC Tour of imm cologne, which is free, is open on the SFC website.  The SFC contingent will be provided the following: 
  • Complimentary exhibition ticket.
  • A Welcome Reception.
  • Special program and presentation at Ecosign Academy
  • Invitation to the immDesign night (limited availability).
  • Local Language Support.
  • Travel & Visa Assistance.
  • Free shuttle service to the event, including airport pick-up and transfer.
  • A Global Networking Lounge.
  • A Delegation Matchmaking service.
  • Exhibition and Showroom Tours.
  • Workshop Access.
  • Showroom Tours.
  • Business Meetings organized with buyers, associations, and Koelnmesse management.
  • A unique cultural experience – dinner at one of Cologne’s breweries.
  • Guided City Tours – Cologne, Düsseldorf, Berlin or Munich.
  • Cologne Carnival Event.
Reflecting on the plan, Mette Petersen, President and Managing Director of Koelnmesse commented,  "We are very pleased to be partnering with Sustainable Furnishings Council for the second year in a row - not only because SFC members have much to offer to and much to gain from being involved with our show, imm cologne, but also because we share the organization's values and are happy to partner on sustaining a healthy future."

One of several shows produced by Khoelnmesse, imm cologne offers a concentrated presentation of furniture, home accessories and interior design by manufacturers and designers from all over the world – ranging from the basics to high-design and luxury items.  Products are shown in 17 exhibit halls and are organized into 9 segments including living room, bedroom, dining room, home office furniture, mattresses and sleep systems and one of a kind product and design installations by up-and-coming international designers. Participants in the SFC Tour will see best practices for sustainability highlighted throughout and will have ample opportunity to explore the solutions exhibiting companies offer.

About the Sustainable Furnishings Council: Sustainable Furnishings Council is dedicated to promoting healthy environments inside and outside, providing the most comprehensive information on environmental, safety and health issues in the home furnishings industry and championing initiatives that improve products and processes. The SFC and its qualifying members respond to environmental and social issues and offer specific information to consumers, the media and other partners. 

About Koelnmesse: Koelnmesse is the world’s top trade fair organiser for the areas of furnishing, living and lifestyle. At the trade fair hub of Cologne, leading international fair imm cologne as well as the trade fair formats of LivingKitchen, ORGATEC, spoga+gafa, interzum and Kind + Jugend rank among the internationally known and established industry meeting places. These fairs comprehensively represent the upholstered and case furniture segment, the kitchen industry, the office furniture sector and outdoor living as well as the innovations of the furniture supply industry. Over the last few years, Koelnmesse has specifically added international fairs in the most important fast-expanding markets to its portfolio. These include Rooms Moscow/Moscow International Furniture Show, the China International Kitchen and Bathroom Expo (CIKB) in Shanghai and furniPRO Asia in Singapore.

The next events:
  • Kind + Jugend 10. – 13.09.2015
  • China International Kitchen and Bathroom Expo (CIKB) 21.10. – 23.10.2015
  • imm cologne/LivingInteriors 18.-24.01.2016
imm cologne 2016 on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/imm-cologne